On 14 January 2026, a briefing and a reception were held at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat on the occasion of Defenders of the Motherland Day and the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, as well as the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, and representatives of local media.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan Sultanov Begmyrat was the main guest from the Turkmen government.
It should be noted that the Armed Forces are the most important attribute of the independence and sovereignty of all countries of the world without exception. Service in the Armed Forces is associated with high ideals of patriotism, selfless service to the fatherland and immense love for the Motherland.
In this context, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan feels a deep sense of pride in the Armed Forces, brave soldiers, brave servicemen, devoted and courageous sons who protect peaceful skies and prosperous lives of citizens.
In his speech, Adviser to the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan Zhasur Ashurov informed that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the multinational people of the country consistently achieve new successes in the political, socio-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres of development.
As a result of the large-scale reforms implemented in recent years, the image and potential of the national army have changed radically. Today, the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan have become a powerful, mobile and well-equipped force capable of reliably ensuring country’s security and stability and the inviolability of its borders.
The Strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030” clearly defines that the further strengthening of the country’s defense potential and the development of Armed Forces of Uzbekistan is one of the most important priorities of state policy.
It is also impossible to imagine the unconditional strengthening of the country’s defense capability without active international cooperation and fostering friendship and partnership with foreign countries, such as fraternal Turkmenistan, with which Uzbekistan is linked by centuries-old ties of fraternal and good-neighborly relations.
In this context, it was emphasized that thanks to the firm political will of the Leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Uzbek-Turkmen relations have risen to an unprecedented high level of strategic partnership in recent years.
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in the military and military-technical fields is consistently expanding. Mutual visits and constructive dialogues are carried out on a regular basis to discuss topical issues of bilateral partnership.
In particular, the visit of the Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan in October 2025 to participate in the first meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states, as well as in the regional joint exercises Birlik – 2025, was an important step in this direction.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan Begmyrat Sultanov emphasized that combat readiness and spiritual fortitude constitute the two primary pillars of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces. This synergy is continuously validated by Uzbekistan’s glorious history and the heroic legacies of its invincible military commanders
It was noted that the strength and power of the Uzbek army lies in the unity and cohesion of the military and the entire people of the country. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, being a reliable guarantor of the independence of the Fatherland and the peaceful and prosperous life of the people, have gone through a difficult but at the same time glorious path of formation and development over the past years.
It was emphasized that as a result of the large-scale and consistent reforms carried out in recent years, the national army is becoming more powerful, mobile and effective, capable of timely and adequately countering any modern challenges and threats.
Today, the soldiers of Uzbekistan prove, not in words, but in deeds, that in terms of professional training they are not inferior to the military personnel of the armies of the leading countries of the world. During international exercises, army and sports competitions, representatives of Uzbekistan demonstrate high skill, firmness of spirit and the will to win, proving themselves to be worthy heirs of great ancestors.
All this, without a doubt, causes the entire people of Uzbekistan, and especially the youth, a sense of pride and deep respect for the glorious profession of defender of the Motherland.
Speaking about cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, it was noted that the two countries are connected not only by geographical proximity, but also by strong cultural and historical ties, the origins of which go back centuries.
It was also stressed that the Turkmen-Uzbek relations have traditionally been friendly and good-neighborly and continue to develop and strengthen consistently under the constant attention and guidance of the Heads of the two states.
The confidence was expressed that the long-term positive experience of cooperation accumulated between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and, of course, military spheres will further contribute to the successful development of bilateral relations on a long-term, stable and mutually beneficial basis.
During the event, the military attache of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, M. Baltabayev, also made a presentation on “The formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the implemented reforms”. The presentation covered the promising tasks of the President of Uzbekistan at the meeting of the Security Council in 2026, on the further development of the defense industry and the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in defense industry, as well as further improvement of the military personnel training system.
Video information materials about the power of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the material and technical base of military educational institutions and production facilities of the military-industrial complex of the Republic of Uzbekistan are also presented on the sidelines of the speeches.
In addition, a military‑themed corner was set up at the event, featuring an exhibition area stocked with key publications, including 30 Years of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Philosophy of Victory Park, Uzbekistan During World War II, History of Military Art of Uzbekistan, as well as materials from the Defense Doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan–2030 strategy.
At the same time, a presentation exhibition of military products—displayed in poster format—was organized, showcasing developments produced by the Defense Industry Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Center for Innovative Technologies. ///nCa, 15 January 2026 (in cooperation with the Embassy of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan)
Here are some photos from the event:
